Therapeutic Ultrasound Therapy in Walnut Creek, California
Targeted Support for Muscles, Tendons and Soft Tissue Concerns
Sometimes the area that's bothering you isn't your spine.
Maybe you've strained a muscle, irritated a tendon, developed soreness from repetitive activity, or have an area of soft tissue that continues to feel tight or uncomfortable.
And when something hurts every time you lift, reach, bend, exercise, work, or perform the same movement repeatedly, it can start affecting much more than that one area of your body.
At Stojanovich Chiropractic in Walnut Creek, California, Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. offers therapeutic ultrasound as one of several supportive therapies that may be incorporated into an individualized chiropractic treatment plan when appropriate.
The goal isn't to use ultrasound simply because it's available.
It's to determine whether it makes sense for what you're experiencing.
What Is Therapeutic Ultrasound?
Therapeutic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves delivered through a handheld applicator to targeted tissues.
Although it uses ultrasound technology, therapeutic ultrasound is different from diagnostic ultrasound used to create images inside the body.
During treatment, ultrasound gel is applied to the skin and the applicator is moved over the targeted area. The gel helps transmit the ultrasound energy between the device and the tissues being treated.
Depending on the treatment settings and therapeutic goal, ultrasound energy can produce thermal and non-thermal effects within tissue.
Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. determines whether therapeutic ultrasound may be appropriate based on your examination, symptoms, treatment goals, and individual needs.
Therapeutic Ultrasound for Muscle, Tendon and Soft Tissue Concerns
You don't need to know whether you “need ultrasound” before coming into the office.
You simply need to tell us what's bothering you.
Therapeutic ultrasound may be considered as a supportive therapy for certain musculoskeletal and soft tissue concerns. Depending on your individual situation, those may involve muscles, tendons, ligaments, or other soft tissues.
Perhaps you're experiencing soreness following physical activity. Maybe a repetitive movement at work has begun bothering an area of your body. You could be working your way back from a strain or other musculoskeletal injury.
The appropriate treatment depends on what's causing your symptoms, not simply where they hurt.
That's why evaluation comes before treatment.
How Does Therapeutic Ultrasound Work?
The ultrasound device generates sound waves at frequencies above the range of human hearing.
Those waves are transmitted through the applicator and ultrasound gel into the targeted tissues.
Depending on the frequency, intensity, treatment mode, and other parameters selected, therapeutic ultrasound can create different effects within tissue. Those settings are chosen according to the treatment area and therapeutic purpose.
You don't need to understand all of the settings on the machine.
You should, however, understand why the therapy is being recommended for you.
Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. will explain how therapeutic ultrasound fits into your individual care plan when it is appropriate.
What Happens During Therapeutic Ultrasound Treatment?
Therapeutic ultrasound is performed directly over the area being treated.
A layer of ultrasound gel is placed on the skin. Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. or a trained member of the clinical team then moves the ultrasound applicator continuously over the treatment area according to the prescribed protocol.
Treatment is targeted to a specific area rather than simply being applied generally.
Depending on the settings being used, you may feel little sensation or mild warmth during treatment. You should let us know immediately if anything feels uncomfortable.
Treatment time varies according to the area being addressed and the protocol being used.
Therapeutic Ultrasound as Part of Chiropractic Care
Therapeutic ultrasound isn't necessarily a stand-alone treatment.
At Stojanovich Chiropractic, it may be incorporated into a broader treatment plan alongside chiropractic care or other supportive therapies when appropriate.
For example, one patient may come in primarily for chiropractic care but also have a soft tissue concern for which Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. determines therapeutic ultrasound may be useful.
Another patient's needs may be completely different.
Rather than applying the same combination of therapies to everyone, Dr. Nick Stojanovich D.C. considers your examination findings, symptoms, activities, health history, and goals when determining which treatments to recommend.
Therapeutic Ultrasound for Sports, Work and Everyday Activity
This is your sub-headline
Musculoskeletal concerns don't always come from one dramatic injury.
Sometimes they're connected to repetition.
Working at a computer. Lifting. Reaching. Gardening. Exercising. Playing a sport. Performing physical work. Repeating the same movement hundreds of times.
If a muscle, tendon, or other soft tissue becomes irritated or uncomfortable, you may begin compensating without even realizing it changing the way you move simply because you're trying to avoid discomfort.
For active adults in Walnut Creek and throughout the East Bay, the goal is often simple:
Get back to moving comfortably and participating in the activities that matter to you.
When appropriate, therapeutic ultrasound may be one tool Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. considers as part of that process.
Is Therapeutic Ultrasound Appropriate for Everyone?
No.
Like other therapeutic modalities, ultrasound isn't appropriate for every patient, every condition, or every area of the body.
Your health history, the area being treated, implanted medical devices, pregnancy, circulation or sensation concerns, certain medical conditions, and other factors may affect whether therapeutic ultrasound is appropriate.
That's another reason an appropriate evaluation matters.
Tell Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. about your health conditions, medications, implanted devices, recent procedures, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, and other relevant medical information before treatment.
If therapeutic ultrasound isn't appropriate, Dr. Stojanovich can discuss other options or recommend another healthcare professional when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapeutic Ultrasound
Is Therapeutic Ultrasound the Same as an Ultrasound Used for Imaging?
No. Diagnostic ultrasound is used to create images of structures within the body. Therapeutic ultrasound uses ultrasound energy as a treatment modality rather than for diagnostic imaging.
Does Therapeutic Ultrasound Hurt?
Therapeutic ultrasound is generally intended to be comfortable. Depending on the treatment settings, you may feel little sensation or mild warmth. Tell your provider immediately if you experience discomfort.
How Long Does Therapeutic Ultrasound Take?
Treatment time varies depending on the area being addressed and the protocol selected. Your provider will explain what to expect as part of your treatment plan.
What Areas Can Be Treated With Therapeutic Ultrasound?
Therapeutic ultrasound can be used over certain muscles, tendons and other soft tissues when clinically appropriate. Whether it is suitable depends on the location, condition, your health history, and other individual factors.
Can Therapeutic Ultrasound Be Combined With Chiropractic Adjustments?
Yes, when appropriate. Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. may incorporate therapeutic ultrasound alongside chiropractic care or other supportive therapies as part of an individualized treatment plan.
Do I Need to Know Which Therapy I Need Before Scheduling?
No. Tell us what you're experiencing. Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. can evaluate your concerns and determine which type of care may be appropriate.
Therapeutic Ultrasound in Walnut Creek, California
If muscle soreness, tendon discomfort, soft tissue irritation, or another musculoskeletal concern is interfering with your work, exercise, or everyday activities, you don't need to choose a treatment on your own.
Start by finding out what's going on.
Dr. Nick Stojanovich, D.C. serves patients in Walnut Creek and surrounding Contra Costa County and East Bay communities with individualized chiropractic care and supportive therapies.
Contact Stojanovich Chiropractic to schedule an appointment and find out whether therapeutic ultrasound may be appropriate for you.
